U.N. treaty reiterates government commitment

I write today in response to Bill Bacon’s letter of Dec. 11 regarding the U.N. convention on the “Rights of Persons With Disabilities” treaty.

Contrary to Mr. Bacon’s letter, this treaty would not have improved conditions for disabled veterans or other Americans. Even the treaty’s supporters admit that the U.S. is capable of protecting disabled citizens through the Americans with Disabilities Act.

At best, the treaty would only reiterate the commitments our government made to the disabled 20 years ago.

The treaty’s supporters claim it will promote disability rights in other countries. While laudable, this goal can’t be achieved in Washington. Neither Sen. Toomey nor any other American elected official can force another country to ratify this treaty.

If other countries haven’t already seen the wisdom of protecting the disabled, it’s doubtful a bunch of politicians in Washington will inspire them to change.

Mr. Bacon paints the treaty as a veterans’ issue because some of the people who supposedly will benefit from it are veterans.

Fortunately, Sen. Toomey has taken a more intelligent view of the subject, introducing bills to improve protections against sexual assault at VA hospitals and to donate clothing to homeless veterans.